Kenya struck back in their annual battle for cross country supremacy against old foes Ethiopia on home soil in Mombasa but arguably the biggest surprise was the gold medal winning performance of Linet Chepkwemoi Masai in the junior women’s race, the very first contest of the 35th IAAF World Cross Country Championships (24 March).

Running in Mombasa under her official name of Linet Chepkwemoi Barasa (born 5 December 1989) but better known as Linet Chepkwemoi Masai – the version which since her triumph she asked to be known by in the future – is the sister of 2005 African Junior 5000m and 10,000 champion Moses Masai. She stunned the opposition on her international debut to lead home a Kenyan clean sweep to the delight of the home supporters.